CEA

Test Code

978

CPT Codes
82378

Preferred Specimen

1 mL serum

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Instructions

For CEA testing on fluids, the following codes are available:
17420 CEA, CSF
17605X CEA, Pericardial Fluid
17421X CEA, Peritoneal Fluid
17584X CEA, Pleural Fluid
Fluids other than those listed are not acceptable.

Transport Container

Plastic screw-cap vial

Transport Temperature

Room temperature

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 28 days

Methodology
Immunoassay (IA)

Setup Schedule

Set up: Tues-Sat; Report available: 1-2 days

Limitations

The presence of HAMA in patients can cause false-positive or false-negative results with tests for the determination of blood CEA levels. Approximately 5% of colorectal cancers are not associated with increased levels of CEA. CEA may be elevated in many types of solid cancer.

Reference Range

Non-Smoker	<2.5		ng/mL
Smoker	<5.0		ng/mL

Clinical Significance

Increased serum CEA levels have been detected in persons with primary colorectal cancer and in patients with other malignancies involving the gastrointestinal tract, breast, lung, ovarian, prostatic, liver and pancreatic cancers. Elevated serum CEA levels have also been detected in patients with nonmalignant disease, especially patients who are older or who are smokers. CEA levels are not useful in screening the general population for undetected cancers. However, CEA levels provide important information about patient prognosis, recurrence of tumors after surgical removal, and effectiveness of therapy.

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.